Learning from our heroes speaking session kicks off Oct. 1

By Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Jo Bridgwater

Fort Gordon Public Affairs

A speaking session geared toward leader professional development hosted by Maj. Gen. LaWarren V. Patterson, commanding general U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, titled “Learning from our heroes” will take place Oct. 1 at Alexander Hall and feature guest speaker Perry M. Smith, retired Maj. Gen., U.S. Air Force.

Smith served in the Air Force for 30 years and during his time commanded an F-15 fighter wing in Germany, served as the top Air Force planner, and was commandant of the National War College. During the Vietnam War he flew 180 combat missions in a F-4 aircraft over Laos and North Vietnam. He is currently a teacher, author, and TV/radio commentator.

Smith’s visit is the first of two LPD sessions with the second session set to take place in November. Information on leadership will be shared from his latest book “Rules & Tools for Leaders” from developing your own skills to running organizations of any size, practical advice for leaders at all levels.

Smith moved to Augusta in 1990 and is actively involved in the community. He has worked to raise funds for the river rooms of Saint Paul’s Church, the new Fisher House, the Kroc Center, the Boy Scouts, and the Heritage Academy. He also serves as the secretary of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and serves on the board of the Augusta Museum of History and the Augusta Warrior Project.

The date and location for the November leader development session will be announced as soon as it becomes available.